The cooler winter months are now fully with us and the region looks ahead to 2024 with optimism but a realisation of the many challenges facing the sector and opportunities that are visible on the horizon. Intersec 2024 will be a focus within the region to debate these challenges and potential solutions with a focus on emerging technologies that can enhance the delivery of fire and life safety. Potential areas for growth include renewable and smart energy systems, emergency management services, smart cities and urbanisation. We must not underestimate the impact of climate change, urbanisation and aging infrastructure.
Market update
Many governments across the Middle East understand the importance of, and are investing heavily in, infrastructure development, such as roads, bridges, airports, desalination and power plants. This focus is being driven by a number of factors, including population growth, economic diversification and the need to improve the region’s competitiveness. In addition, the private sector is also playing a major role in the Middle East construction market. This can be seen by the growing number of residential, commercial and mixed-use developments currently underway. This private investment is being fuelled by factors such as urbanization, rising incomes and the region’s growing tourism industry, which supports the diversification strategy contained in GCC countries’ future visions and strategies.
Many countries in the Middle East have been increasingly focusing on sustainable construction practices. Research & Development efforts have been directed towards developing technologies and materials that reduce environmental impact, enhance energy efficiency and promote sustainable building practices. This is very evident on many of the Giga projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
International General Assembly (IGA) update
The International General Assembly met recently in London on 16 October 2023 for an international workshop and meeting with the IFE Board Members, which allowed representatives from all of the Institution’s branches to discuss current issues directly with the management of the Institution.
A key focus of discussion within the meetings was the proposed Articles of Association, which were not voted on with the CEO (Steve Hamm) and Board signalling their intent to review the IGA concerns and to formally communicate back to the IGA. The Constitution will now be `Terms of Reference’ (ToRs) and there was further discussion on proportional voting, with one vote per 50 branch members. It is anticipated the new ToRs will be issued by HQ before the new year and the Board acknowledge the IGA will have the opportunity for review and feed back. The end goal is to improve IGA engagement and drive the implementation of best practices.
IFE AGM
The AGM was the precursor to the Fire Conference and was well attended on the day by the membership of the IFE. This year the IFE celebrated a historic milestone with the appointment of Hayley Burgess as its first female International President in its 105-year history. Hayley’s leadership not only marks a momentous occasion but also underscores the IFE’s commitment to equity and diversity. With a decade of experience as a Principal Fire Safety Consultant, specializing in social care environments, Hayley brings valuable expertise to her new role. Her installation during the 100th AGM, signifies a significant transition, facilitated by former International President Dr Peter Wilkinson. Hayley expresses gratitude for the honour and eagerly anticipates representing the IFE internationally, working alongside dedicated volunteers. Congratulations to Hayley on her remarkable achievement, and we look forward to the positive impact she will make on the IFE.
In addition to Haley’s inauguration, the IFE introduced its newly elected Board of Trustee Directors, a pivotal development during a critical period of change within the fire sector. The Board’s role is crucial in guiding the IFE’s mission to expand, influence and shape the future of the industry. I think it is important for members to know the pedigree of the board and have summarized their fire-sector experience below:
- Nick Collins has been a member of the IFE for over 30 years and assumes a role on the Board, bringing extensive experience from leading positions in the London Fire Brigade and the Audit Commission. His contributions, including leading projects for the National Fire Chiefs Council, will play a key role in shaping the IFE’s strategy, adapting to emerging challenges and seizing new opportunities.
- Dr Peter Wilkinson has been re-elected as a Trustee Director, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to the IFE. As a prominent figure in the sector, his re-election underscores his exceptional leadership and dedication, particularly evident in his involvement with the IFE’s EEDI working group. This reflects the global IFE community’s trust in his leadership within the region.
International Conference
I was delighted to attend the international conference again this year which was a one-day event held at the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in London on 17 October 2023. On the success of last year’s conference it was extremely rewarding, on a personal level, to catch up with so many friends and former colleagues attending the event. The conference had a host of superb presentations and workshops engaging expert speakers from across the industry. Following the formal presentations and workshops there was a very engaging networking drinks reception, which allowed delegates the further opportunity to mix with and learn from industry peers in a more informal setting.
The event started with a presentation by Barrister Danny Friedman KC who gave an impressive and thought proving presentation and emphasized a human-centred approach, drawing on lessons from the Grenfell Tower fire investigation, while Chris Griffin-McTiernan stressed the urgency for change within the built environment.
CEO Steve Hamm’s session delved into the critical role of fire-risk assessment and the importance of professional standards. The conference, featuring workshops and panel discussions, emphasized collaboration and innovation in a rapidly evolving sector, positioning events like FIRE Conference as essential platforms for progress and safer futures.
As the fire-safety sector evolves, the success of the conference was credited to collaborative efforts from the Fire Protection Association, National Fire Chiefs Council, the Fire Sector Federation and the IFE. The event signified a collective commitment to driving transformation and progress within the industry.
A key announcement came with the IFE with its global membership body, achieving the inaugural licensee being authorized for the Fire Engineering Discipline Annex within the new UK-SPEC Higher-Risk Building (HRB) registration standard.
As the first professional engineering institution (PEI) to obtain a licence for registering Engineers and Technicians against the Engineering Council’s rigorous standard, UK-SPEC HRB Fire Engineering Discipline Annex, this achievement signifies a substantial leap in elevating safety and competency standards within the built environment industry. The official launch of this significant process is slated for the early stages of the coming year.
In response to Dame Judith Hackitt’s influential study, the Competence Steering Group, formed by various entities in the built environment sector, aimed to implement industry competency recommendations. The group’s findings, ‘Raising the Bar’ (2018) and ‘Setting the Bar’ (2020), influenced the Building Safety Act 2022, advocating for context-specific standards applicable to all building trades and professions.
The UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence and Commitment: Higher-Risk Buildings (UK-SPEC HRB) outlines competencies and commitments expected of engineers and technicians in the built environment, particularly those working on higher-risk buildings. This standard, tailored to various elements of building work, incorporates critical safety criteria such as fire safety, structural safety and public health.
Steve Hamm, CEO of IFE, views this achievement as a vital step in showcasing competency, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to driving professional competency for a safer future in the built environment.
